55 Common Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Tacky — & What To Do Instead

Sometimes, all it takes to completely revolutionize an outfit is a few quick fixes. This works for fashion, sure, but did you realize it’s just as easy when it comes to interior design? Below, our shopping editors have rounded up some of the quickest, easiest fixes for your home that’ll make it look so much more expensive and elevated. You’ll find clever storage solutions, DIY fixes, and some super high-quality yet affordable products that’ll make your home look upscale with minimal effort.

Mistake: Your Couches Are Covered In Pet Hair

Solution: Buy The Best-Selling Chom Chom Pet Hair Remover

No one wants to get pet hair all over their clothes after sitting on a couch — which is why this Chom Chom pet hair roller is heaven sent. Endlessly reusable, the roller just needs a few back-and-forth motions to pick up every strand of hair. Then, just press the button to open the chamber and release the hair into the trash. The roller won’t snag fabric, and it’ll eliminate your need for wasteful, single-use sticky sheets.

Mistake: You’ve Got Messy, Visible Cords Everywhere

Solution: Conceal Them With These Clever Cord Covers

This is one of those Amazon gadgets that you didn’t know you needed until you snag it. The Sleek Socket cord cover makes your outlets practically disappear into the wall, so you won’t have to shift around furniture to cover up unsightly sockets full of unruly cords. The cover plugs into any ground pin down outlet, then its extension cord hides the sockets somewhere discreet — and it even adds a third socket, too!

Mistake: A Soggy Bathmat With Possible Mildew

Solution: This Quick-Drying Mat That’s Still Soft

Thanks to four different layers of material to cushion, dry, and prevent slipping, this bath mat is the ideal alternative to those soggy older styles. It dries in seconds, but it’s still soft under your feet. The rubber backing prevents slipping, too.

Mistake: You’ve Got Holes In Your Window Screen

Solution: Repair Them Easily With This Window & Door Screen Tape

If you have a screen with holes in it, there’s no reason to throw the whole thing out. This clever screen repair tape fixes the issue in just a few seconds, making the screen look so much nicer to continue doing its job of keeping the bugs out. The tape’s strong self adhesive sticks to any screen surface and stays put — just cut the right amount of tape, stick it on over the hole, and you’re good to go.

Mistake: Leaving Lights On At Night

Solution: A Motion-Sensing Night Light So It’s Only On When You Need It

Light the way at night in a much more subtle way with this motion-sensing night light for a soft glow just when you need it. It also has a dusk-to-dawn setting if you prefer, and it comes in a pack of two for less than $10 each.

Mistake: Your Rug Slips & Slides Around

Solution: Layer This Rug Gripper Pad On The Bottom

Uneven rugs are the worst — not only does a crooked rug make your space look less put together, but those slippery rugs can also be straight up unsafe. This rug pad gripper keeps those rugs firmly in place, and at no more than $10, it couldn’t be more worth it. The dual-sided pads add grip to both the rug and the floor, and even add a tiny bit of cushioning, too. Plus, it’s easy to trim to fit any size rug.

Mistake: Your Rugs Are Curling Up At The Corners

Solution: Use These Rug Corner Grippers To Keep Them Flat

Don’t you hate it when your rugs curl up at the corners and it seems like there’s no way to keep them flat? This $10 Amazon solution might be the fix for you. The rug corner grippers adhere to the bottom of the corners of your rugs, not the floor, keeping the rug straight and flat without damaging your floors. They have built-in adhesive backings so they apply in seconds, they work on all rug thicknesses, and they’re only around $10.

Mistake: Your Throws Have Seen Better Days

Solution: Switch To This Textured Blanket That Comes In Dozens Of Colors

Give your couch or bed an instant update for less than $20 with this textured throw. And since it’s machine-washable, it’s super easy to keep it looking fresh. Choose from dozens of colors (including a few patterns).

Mistake: Paper Towel Rolls Taking Up Counter Space

Solution: This Magnetic Set That Sticks To The Fridge, A Grill & More

Paper towels are handy, but keeping the roll floating around takes up space and creates visual clutter. Instead, get the rolls off the counter with these magnetic holders. Put it on a fridge, the dishwasher, a grill, and more.

Mistake: The Caulking In Your House Is Uneven Or Outdated

Solution: Refreshing Your Trim With This Adhesive Trim

This caulk strip has a stick-on adhesive design that’s easier to apply than messy caulk around tubs, tiles, and more. It’s also guaranteed to look straight and even with little effort, and it’s even water-resistant for bathrooms or sinks. Choose from seven colors to blend in with your space.

Mistake: Your Bathroom Towels Are Mismatched

Solution: Invest In This Set Of Plush, Hotel-Quality Towels

Bet your bathroom towels are due for an upgrade. And replacing your old, mismatched towels with this four-piece set of plush, hotel-quality towels is so much more affordable than it seems — the set is less than $45 in total. Made of 100% Turkish cotton, the towels have a double-stitched hem for durability, and their OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification means they contain no toxic chemicals. Get ready to sink into hotel-like softness every time you step out of the shower.

Mistake: Your Bathroom Counter Is A Mess

Solution: Tidy Things Up With This Bathroom Countertop Organizer

Isn’t it shocking how messy the bathroom counter gets each morning? Just a few minutes getting ready and it looks like you need to deep clean. Or, you can keep the counter neat and tidy without spending time cleaning with this countertop organizer. The two-tier organizer fits all your most-used cosmetics and toiletries in a space that’s less than 7 inches deep. It has sleek white bases with on-trend gold hardware, and it even works to organize other countertops, too, like in the kitchen.

Mistake: Your Toilet Paper Backstock Is On Display In Your Bathroom

Solution: Keep It Hidden With This Discreet TP Holder

Keep extra rolls of toilet paper accessible, yet discreet, at all times with this decorative faux-wicker toilet paper holder. The cute holder fits three mega-size rolls at once, and has a metal wire frame so it’s built to last. It has a cutaway design so each roll is easy to grab, and its raised feet keep the organizer stable. Plus, it’s less than $25.

Mistake: Your Pantry Is Overflowing

Solution: Storing Food Items In Organized Bins

Tidy up pantry snacks and keep items easily accessible with these transparent organizing bins. The bins are made from food-safe, BPA-free plastic and are a cohesive way to store snacks, craft supplies, or toiletries. The dividers can be adjusted to accommodate different items, and the bins can be stacked to save space.

Mistake: You’re Using Bright White Bulbs To Light Your Home

Solution: Replace Your Bulbs With Warm Amber Lights

Ditch the white light bulbs for these warm amber dimmable lights. Cooler white light is bright and bold, so you usually find it in offices or energizing public spaces. But it can actually suppress melatonin production, so it has no business being in your cozy home. Instead, opt for these amber lights, especially in places like your bedroom and living room, for creating that cozy ambience that makes your home look so much more inviting and helps you wind down at the end of the day.

Mistake: Your Cabinets Are Overflowing With Mismatched Tupperware

Solution: Buy This Set Of Glass Food Storage Containers That Stack Together Neatly

Not only do glass food storage containers make your kitchen feel so much more elevated, but they also make your kitchen more sustainable by reducing your plastic use — and this means you can microwave food right in the container (how convenient). The glass meal prep containers in this 10-pack go for less than $4 each, so making the swap is probably more affordable than you thought. The containers come in two different sizes, and each lid has an airtight silicone seal.

Mistake: You’re Using A Clear Acrylic Shower Curtain

Solution: Buy A Pretty, Linen Shower Curtain Instead

When was the last time you thought about your shower curtain? If it’s one of those noisy acrylic ones, a draping cloth curtain will make your bathroom look so much more elevated — and this linen option goes for less than $30. The curtain has beautiful embroidered detailing and tassels, giving your space a light, breezy look with practically zero effort. It even has a water-repellent coating, so it’ll always look fresh and clean.

Mistake: Your Q-Tips & Other Bathroom Essentials Are Still In Their Original Packaging

Solution: Decant Oft-Used Toiletries Into These Chic Apothecary Jars

Another quick fix for a more elevated looking space — this four-pack of apothecary jars for the bathroom. They’re the perfect size for holding Q-tips, cotton pads, makeup sponges, and other small bathroom essentials, helping you get rid of eyesore packaging. The jars even come with both blank and pre-printed labels for accurate labeling, and the entire four-pack is no more than $10.

Mistake: You’re Using Mismatched Organizers

Solution: This Marble-Effect Holder With 6 Slots

Made of marble-effect resin, this six-slot organizer is an elevated way to keep your bath and vanity supplies organized. Whether you use it for toothbrushes or makeup brushes, it’s a chic way to keep things contained.

Mistake: Your Closets Are Full Of Wire Hangers

Solution: Opt For Velvet Or Wooden Hangers Instead

For a closet that’s as functional as it is organized, our shopping editors swear by wooden or velvet hangers. Unlike cheap wire or plastic ones, they won’t let clothes slip off and end up crumpled on the floor — which is the absolute worst when you’re running late and find out your favorite blouse is wrinkled and unwearable. And the hangers in this 20-pack only go for around a dollar each, so you can get a perfectly uniform and expensive-looking closet without dropping a ton of cash.

Mistake: Your Trashcans Are Exposed Or Unattractive

Solution: This Sleek, Motion-Sensing Style

Give your space an instant glow-up by turning even the most mundane items — say, a bathroom bin — with an aesthetic alternative. But this trash can isn’t just about style, its motion-sensor technology makes it a more easy-to-use and sanitary option, too.

Mistake: You Have “Supermarket Soap” On Your Bathroom Counter

Solution: Decant Your Soaps (& Lotions) Into These Pretty Dispensers

Those soaps with the clownfish illustration on the bottle (you know the ones I’m talking about) are adorable and all — but if you want a truly elevated space, consider this soap and lotion decanter set. The amber bottles have a refined, vintage vibe, and they’re made of a durable glass that can be washed and used over and over again. They’ll help you save money on soap and reduce your single-use plastic consumption, too, since you can refill them with sustainably packaged soap refills or take them to your nearest zero-waste store.

Mistake: Your Houseplants Are Dead Or Dying

Solution: Use These Indoor Fertilizers To Keep Them Healthy

Dead and dying and houseplants aren’t a great look, but sometimes, you just can’t figure out what the problem is. Turns out some plants thrive on fertilizer, especially when they’ve been in the same pot for a long time. These fertilizer sticks are so easy to use — just push two or three into the soil to deliver the right dosage exactly where it’s needed. Those extra nutrients might even help your plants sprout a new leaf or two!

Mistake: Your Screens Are Covered In Fingerprints

Solution: Keep Them Clear & Print-Free With These Handy Wipes

Are you ever worried to wipe down electronics like laptops, monitors, keyboards, headphones, and video game controls for fear of causing damage? (I know I am.) Bust fingerprints on those hard-to-clean screens with these handy electronics wipes — now, nothing in your house will be left uncleaned. The quick-drying wipes instantly remove dust, oil, and smudges without leaving behind streaks. And this 30-pack comes with a reusable microfiber towel, too, to dry your electronics after you wipe them.

Mistake: Your Overhead Lights Are Always On

Solution: Dot Some Cozy Table Lamps Around Your Home

Instead of relying on “big lights,” adding multiple small table lamps is one of the most effective ways to instantly make your space feel cozier and more inviting. And this cordless table lamp gets you there even if you’re struggling with a lack of outlets. The lamp turns on with the touch of a button, which you also use to toggle between the three brightness settings. Its rechargeable battery lasts up to 48 hours, and its classic, vintage-y look is just the cherry on top.

Mistake: Letting Pots & Pans Clutter Your Kitchen

Solution: An Adjustable Rack That Can Also Fit Sheet Pans & Lids

Tired of constantly searching for the right lid or pan? This organizer makes it easy bu storing your cookware on its side, so you can clearly see each pan. The rods are adjustable, which makes this organizer also work great for cutting boards, sheet pans, and more. As an added bonus, you’re less likely to scratch delicate cooking surfaces, too.

Mistake: & Your Bedroom Floors Are Littered With Shoes, Too

Solution: Keep Them Hidden With These Under-Bed Shoe Organizers

Maximize your under-the-bed storage and make sure you have no loose pairs of shoes lying around your bedroom with these under-bed shoe organizers. The set of two organizers goes for less than $25 and can store a whopping 16 pairs of shoes plus four pairs of boots discreetly, maximizing the space under your bed. Additionally, the clear vinyl covers make it easy to find the exact pair you’re looking for in a pinch. Say goodbye to messy-looking, over-filled shoe racks and say hello to a cleaner, more streamlined home.

Mistake: Your Kids’ (Or Your Dogs’) Toys Are Everywhere

Solution: A Lidded Basket You Can Leave On The Stairs To Bring Things Up & Down

If tidying up after messy household members feels like an endless, tireless task, this storage basket is the genius solution you’ve been looking for. It has an upside-down L shape that allows it to sit on two stairs, so you can toss in that random plushie as you see it and haul it up or downstairs when its time. This basket has some handy features like a lid to conceal messes and rope handles for easier carrying.

Mistake: Your Bathroom Drawers Are A Cluttered, Chaotic Mess

Solution: Give Everything Its Own Place With This Set Of 25 Organizers

Whip your drawers into shape in no time (and for less than $20) with this set of 25 plastic drawer organizers. That’s right, 25 pieces, so you can completely customize the layout of your newly organized drawers. The trays come in four different sizes, along with a sheet of silicone pads that you can peel and stick where needed, so the organizers won’t slide around in your drawers. While they’re great for keeping tidy your makeup brushes, lipsticks, and other small bathroom items, they work just as well to organize supplies in your office or kitchen drawers, too.

Mistake: Your Blinds Are A Bit Dusty

Solution: These Sponges For Cleaning Blinds & Window Tracks

Blinds get grimy fast and those little details can make your home look worn, but these U-shaped sponges are great for cleaning hard-to-reach spaces. The sponges feature 11 groves that work their way into small crevices like window tracks, and they only need water to start working. Each sponge is super absorbent — just get it wet to make it pliable, and it’ll be ready to clean.

Mistake: You Have Messy Clothing Drawers

Solution: These Dividers For Socks, Underwear, Bras & More

Achieving Marie Kondo-level polish just got a lot easier to achieve thanks to these drawer organizers. They come in four colors to suit your decor and two variations, one for small items like socks, ties, and underwear and another for longer items like bras or tanks.

Mistake: Your Walls Are Chipped Or Scuffed

Solution: Cover Up Marks & Scuffs With These Clever Paint Refill Pens

It turns out that chips and scuffs in your wall paint aren’t difficult to remedy at all — in fact, these paint pens will get the job done in seconds. First, fill the syringe with your leftover wall paint; then, snap on the brush tip. When you twist the bottom of the pen, the brush will fill with paint so you can touch up any scuff marks in no time. After all, clean, even walls really do make all the difference.

Mistake: Your Cleaning Supplies Are Disorganized

Solution: Clear Organizational Bins With So Many Uses

If your cleaning supplies are unorganized and toppling over in your cabinets, these storage bins just may be the solution that you need. They have higher walls to keep the contents secure. Beyond cleaning supplies, the clear design and handles lend these bins to be used to store clothes, shoes, food, or truly anything that needs a home.

Mistake: Your Drawers Are Cluttered With Plastic Baggies

Solution: Use This Sleek Organizer That Fits Lots Of Sizes

Stop battling unruly plastic bag containers and pick up this sleek sandwich bag organizer. With different slots for your bag sizes, it’s a space-saving, aesthetically pleasing way to give your drawers a little order. Plus, it’s backed by a 4.7-star overall rating after more than 1,000 Amazon shoppers have weighed in.

Mistake: Your Food Container Lids Are A Jumble

Solution: This Adjustable Rack With 25,000+ 5-Star Reviews

Streamline meal prep with this adjustable lid organizer that’s earned more than 25,000 five-star reviews for being easy to use and genuinely helpful. Not only will you be able to find matching lids more quickly, but they’re also less likely to topple over thanks to the organizer sides. Choose from four sizes to suit your needs.

Mistake: You Have Clutter Everywhere

Solution: Hidden Storage Boxes That Look Like Pretty Books

These faux books don’t just have rich colors that give them a vintage feel, they open up and have hidden storage inside, making them both functional and decorative. Great for storing odds and ends or for hiding things you don’t necessarily want out in the open, these books come in two sizes for easy styling.

Mistake: Your Wood Furniture Is Chipped & Scratched

Solution: Wood Markers & Wax Sticks To Fill In & Cover Nicks

Wood furniture is undeniably stylish, but nicks, chips, and scratches are not. That’s where these wood markers come in handy. They come in six shades to draw over scratches and discoloration and blend in perfectly with your floors or furniture. This set also comes with crayons for bigger scratches.

Mistake: The Inside Of Your Shower Curtain Is Brown

Solution: Add A Shower Liner — & Replace It Every Year Or Two

Another chore that’s way too easy to forget about? Replacing the shower curtain liner. This is your reminder to check if yours is brown, and if so, replace it with this under $10 option — you’ll probably want to replace yours every year or two. It’s resistant to stains and soap scum, so it’ll last you longer than usual, and it has three magnets at the bottom to help keep your bathroom floor dry while you’re showering.

Mistake: You’ve Got Unframed Art On Your Walls

Solution: Buy Some Frames In Bulk

In college, it was all about taping posters and photos to the walls. But for an instant (and super easy) way to elevate your favorite prints, grab some picture frames, like this best-selling four-pack. The 11-by-14-inch frames come with two alternative mats so you can fit pictures of all sizes in them. The frames are made of a durable carbonized wood with plexiglass fronts for protection, and each one is only around $10.

Mistake: You Have Mismatched Bottles Of Oil On Display

Solution: Chic Cruets With Built-In Handles

Get rid of name brands and streamline the look of your kitchen with these refillable glass cruets. They’ll help you keep your most-used cooking oils within easy reach, and their pourers make them so much easier to pour from than the plastic bottles the oil comes in. The set comes with two bottles — one for oil and one for vinegar — with cutouts in the middle for stunning modern appeal.

Mistake: Your Outlets Are Loose

Solution: These Clever Plugs That Fix Loose Plugs

Thousands of reviewers can’t stop raving about these discreet little gadgets that instantly fix those pesky loose outlets. Choose from packs of 10 or 20, and between clear or glow-in-the-dark iterations.

Mistake: Your Windows Reveal Unsightly Views

Solution: Place This Frosted Film Over Your Windows

You can’t usually control what’s outside your window. But with this window privacy film, you can control how much of it you see. It allows light through your window while obscuring the view and also blocking 96% of UV rays, and it’s great on clear glass shower doors, too. The film installs with water and removes cleanly with no residue, and at no more than $10 for a 78-inch long roll, it’s super affordable, too.

Mistake: Your Skin-Care & Makeup Is A Mess

Solution: This Rotating Organizer That Makes Things Easy To Find

Finally be able to find just the bottle you were looking for and save tons of space while you’re at it with this rotating makeup organizer. The shelves are adjustable, and since it spins a full 360 degrees, everything is at hand.

Mistake: You Haven’t Replaced The Builder-Grade Showerhead

Solution: This Rainfall Showerhead In Sleek Finishes

Give your bathroom an instant refresh by replacing the builder-grade showerhead with this sleek rainfall showerhead. It quickly connects to any standard shower arm for no-fuss installation and offers a high-pressure flow that feels so luxurious. Choose from stylish finishes such as matte black, gold, polished chrome, and more.

Mistake: You’re Tracking In Mud & Dirt

Solution: This Adjustable Shoe Rack For Your Entry

Going barefoot indoors helps to keep floors cleaner, but you’ll want a streamlined way to store all those shoes. This expandable shoe rack has a sleek design that doesn’t take up a ton of space. When fully expanded, it can store over a dozen pairs of shoes, and each tier can hold up to 22 pounds. Meanwhile, the angled shelf keeps high heels in place and prevents shoes from slipping off.

Mistake: The Outside Of Your Home Lacks Character & Appeal

Solution: A Set Of Carriage-Style Decorative Garage Door Magnets

Give your garage door a makeover with these highly-rated decorative garage magnets. This set includes two carriage-style accent handles and four hinges that easily attach magnetically to steel garage doors without additional tools or drilling. Made of durable UV, weather, and rust-resistant plastic, they promise to remain in place through the seasons.

Mistake: Your Shampoo & Conditioner Bottles Sit On The Edge Of Your Tub

Solution: A Set Of Easy-To-Install Shower Shelves

Your shower will instantly look more organized and elevated with these shower shelves. They’re constructed from durable stainless steel that won’t rust or corrode, and provide a proper place to store shampoo, conditioner, and more. Best of all, these shower caddies are super easy to install via a sturdy adhesive that can support up to 20 lbs.

Mistake: Your Bar Cart Lacks The Right Glassware

Solution: Beautiful Coupe Glasses That Are Shatterproof

These coupe glasses are the definition of elegance with their vintage-inspired ribbed design and muted colors. Beyond looking Mad Men chic, these glasses are made of modern, durable acrylic, which makes them shatterproof — an essential for cocktail parties.

Mistake: Your Space Is Poorly Lit

Solution: Adding Motion-Activated Lights Where You Need Them

Dimly lit areas can be dangerous in addition to unsightly, but these motion-activated puck lights are a low-lift way to upgrade your space. The battery-operated lights feature a long run-time and installation with the included hardware or adhesive is easy, so you can put them anywhere that’s dim. The lights are also water-resistant, so they’re perfect for spaces like the bathroom or garage.

Mistake: Your Closet Looks Overcrowded & Disorganized

Solution: A Space-Saving Vertical Hanger For Tank Tops Or Bras

Declutter your closet by making use of vertical space with this clever hanger. It has a unique curved shape that makes it especially handy for hanging otherwise hard-to-store items like bras, tank tops, and other strappy pieces or accessories. Just one hanger can hold up to eight items.

Mistake: Your Pillowcases Are Worn Out

Solution: Soft Satin Pillowcases That Look So Luxe

Enhance the comfort and look of your bed with these satin pillowcases. They’re smooth and shiny, which makes for an incredibly expensive look for a budget-friendly price. Beyond looking so good, these pillowcases are soft, which makes them gentler on your face and hair. They come in over 20 colors and have a zipper closure for a seamless look.

Mistake: Your Bathroom Is A Mess

Solution: Keeping This Sleek Motion Sensor Trash Can To Toss Bathroom Garbage

This sleek trash can is more than slim enough to tuck next to a bathroom cabinet or toilet, and the motion sensor top ensures that it always feels clean. Simply wave your hand to toss makeup remover pads, floss, and other bathroom essentials that might end up on your countertop otherwise.

Mistake: Your Outdoor Space Is Dark & Underutilized

Solution: Illuminate Your Patio With These Timeless Solar Fence Lights

These outdoor solar lights are designed to look like sleek built-in lighting on your deck or patio. They’re waterproof, solar, and complete with a timeless design that will look elevated in any outdoor space. They’re even heat-resistant, and you can choose from classic white or color options.

Mistake: Cobwebs Have Taken Over High Corners

Solution: Use This Easy-To-Store Dusting Pole To Clear Them Away

This extendable duster is a breeze to store when you’re not using it because it collapses down less than 5 feet tall when you’re not using it. When it is time to tackle cobwebs around your space, it pops out to 12 feet long, while still being super lightweight.

Mistake: You Don’t Cover Your Outdoor Furniture

Solution: Protect Patio Furniture With This Secure, Weatherproof Cover

This patio cover is water-resistant and complete with drawstring straps to ensure that it’s secure — no matter what the weather is like. It’s also UV-resistant and comes in two sizes to easily fit on top of all kinds of patio furniture and setups.